Museveni Cleared To Contest 2026 Elections

By Advent Shoko

Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has officially cleared President Yoweri Museveni to contest in the January 2026 general elections, setting the stage for the 81-year-old to extend his nearly four-decade rule. EC Chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama announced on Tuesday:

“I declare Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta, a duly nominated candidate in respect of the presidential elections 2026… all participants, their agents, aspirants, and the general public to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect throughout the nomination process and mostly in the upcoming campaign period.”

Museveni, who seized power in 1986 after his National Resistance Movement (NRM) overthrew the regime of General Tito Okello, has since been re-elected in successive polls, often marred by allegations of fraud, intimidation, and crackdowns on dissent. Constitutional amendments in 2005 and 2017 removed term and age limits, enabling him to remain in office.

The 2026 election is expected to pit Museveni against his main rival, opposition leader and former musician Bobi Wine, 43, who commands a large youth following. In 2021, Wine garnered 35 percent of the vote against Museveni’s 58 percent, but he claimed the result was stolen through “ballot stuffing, intimidation by security forces and other irregularities.”

At his press conference on Tuesday, Museveni pledged to focus on security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and fighting graft. He said:

“There’s a bit of crime and impunity.”

He promised that his government would also prioritize “getting rid of corruption.” He further pointed to economic progress, noting that “the GDP of Uganda has doubled currently in the recent Kisanja from $34 billion to $66 billion,” and vowed to make the country a $500 billion economy within five years.

State of Affairs In Uganda

Uganda, which expects a boost from crude oil exports starting next year, is eyeing double-digit economic growth. Yet the country continues to grapple with high unemployment, underfunded social services, and concerns over governance. Human rights groups accuse Museveni’s administration of stifling opposition through arrests, kidnappings, torture, and the use of security forces to entrench power, allegations the president denies.

The opposition has also raised alarm over a shrinking democratic space, citing the imprisonment of long-time government critic Kizza Besigye on treason charges and the reported abduction of activists. In May, Museveni’s son and military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba admitted to detaining an opposition activist, sparking fears of further repression ahead of the polls.

Campaigns officially begin on September 29, with voting scheduled for January 2, 2026. The NRM endorsed Museveni in July as its sole candidate, while the EC is expected to assess Bobi Wine’s nomination later this week.

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